Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn tractor problems, starter problem, needle valve

Question
i have a sears gtv/16 lawn tractor.

problem 1
When i turn the key nothing happens, put in brand new battery in still the same, i put a new key/ignition in, still nothing, but when i jump the solenoid with a screwdriver it starts... any idea what is wrong? im assuming the solenoid but not sure.

problem 2. when i pour gas directly into carb it runs, i put in a new fuel filter, i can see gas spurting into the carb, but wont run. could i have gas, or is it something else?

any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks!!!

Matt  

Answer
MATT, I''L BET IT'S THE SOLENOID FOR THE STARTER PROBLEM. AS FOR THE GAS PROBLEM.  IT HAS TO BE IN THE CARB.  WHERE THE FUEL ENTERS THE CARB THERE MUST BE A NEEDLE AND SEAT
WITH A FLOAT OF SOME KIND WHICH IS STUCK.  THAT IS THE NEEDLE VALVE IS STUCK CLOSING THE GAS INLE TO THE CARB. TRY THIS GENTLY TAP ON THE SIDES OF THE CARB WITH A SCREWDRIVER
HANDLE NEAR WHERE THE GAS ENTERS FROM THE TANK.   SOMETIMES
THIS WILL FREE UP THE STICKING NEEDLE VALVE.  OTHERWISE REBUILD THE CARB.

GOOD LUCK,
GEORGE